A Year in Review

Wow! I was just sitting enjoying some peace (Matt's at work and Tucker's napping), and I can't believe it has been a year since Tucker was born. One year ago, at this very moment, I was in the delivery room only minutes away from meeting our sweet baby boy. Where has the year gone?

I'll never forget when sweet Tucker was born. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. My sister teased that in the first few pictures that she saw, I was crying. I never knew you could love a human being so much. I remember those first few moments so clearly...like they were yesterday. Matt showing him off to the grandmas...while they played the role of the papparazzi. He got to meet a few other family members, who had been at the hospital all day anxiously waiting, before being whisked away to the nursery. That night was a complete blur...I hadn't slept in 3 nights. I remember having to wake Tucker to feed him, and him not wanting to eat. The nurse had to strip him down and rub him with a wet cloth to wake him to eat. The next day was complete with many visitors as well as our trip home. I remember my mom asking on the trip home if he knew how to cry. I'm so thankful that Tucker has kept that sweet temperament (with a little attitude a times) over the past year.

I will always cherish his first tooth, his first bath, when he began crawling, when he began pulling up on things, his first meal, hearing his little giggle, and all of the other precious qualities that he has. Nor will I forget the fact that he didn't sleep through the night until he was 9 months old and a few other undesirable traits (his biting stage).

It's 4:36...One year ago Tucker was born at this very minute. I am so thankful that God chose us to be Tucker's parents, and I pray that we will be blessed with many more days like today!

Sharing Boy

A couple of weeks ago, we made the switch to whole milk. Everyone told me he would love it and it would be great! Not so much...Tucker HATES milk! We tried to add a couple of drops of sugar-free chocolate, and he drank that for a few days. As of this morning, he would throw his cup and yell "uice". His Aunt Wendy called shortly after, and I expressed my frustrations to her. She suggested adding a little bit of Instant Breakfast. Success! He downed a whole cup during story time this morning at the library. I was so proud when he held his cup out to the boy next to him and said "uice. Bite." The librarian stopped and thanked Tucker for being so nice to offer to share his milk. We sat and listened to the rest of the story until Tucker threw down his cup and yelled "gone". Heaven forbid we sit and listen to the story without having something in his hands...he then began diving toward his bag wanting a "bite". I dug out the snack trap of crackers, he ate and offered others "bites", and all was well.

All of this to say...Tucker is learning to share and it is so darn cute!

Tucker's Big Party!

Today we celebrated Tucker's first birthday with family and friends. We chose a monkey theme due to Tuck's love for 'nanas. He was a little unsure about the cake and everyone singing to him as well as all of the presents. (I'm not sure what's left on the toy isle at Wal-Mart to purchase him for Christmas.) After planning for months, I was shocked to see how quickly the party came and went. This week was a whirlwind of cleaning, taking care of a sick baby, and the other weekly routine. I guess I must have ran myself ragged. I was up most of the night aching and shivering, but decided to hide the fact that I wasn't feeling well to enjoy the big day. I was able to complete the party, but went to bed shortly after. I have already declared that next years birthday party will be offsite!

Not enough hours in the day!

One would think that now that I am a stay-at-home mom, that I would have loads of free time. Ha! Between working on my masters, attending storytimes and playdates with Tucker, teaching children's church, substitute teaching, and working with Usborne our days seem to be jam packed. While looking at our calendar yesterday, I realized that in a week Matt and I are leaving for Boston. Upon returning, I have 2 weeks to finish things off for Tucker's birthday. People keep telling me to relax, and that he won't remember a thing about it. I WILL THOUGH! My OCD has kicked in a bit for this little celebration. I'm stressing about getting the invitations out, getting my house clean, and preparing some cute party decorations (no one sells cute monkey decorations).

Meanwhile Tucker has discovered many new things. He now tells me "gone" when his bottle is empty. He has learned to shake his head no and tell me "no, no" as well as pound on his high chair tray to demand a "nana". His favorite play place is the bottom of the sofa table where he adores playing with and throwing a picture of his cousins. I watch and wonder what happened to that layed back, quiet kid. He's so much fun though! His nap will be wrapping up soon, so enought for now.

Mother's Day Out

Today was Tucker's first day of Mother's Day Out. It was a hit for mom and kid. The teachers said he ate a lot, never cried, and didn't nap. My anti-nap kid decided to sit in his bed and talk to the other kids instead of napping. Needless to say...he was exhausted and napped for 2 hours upon arriving home. He had a great time and his teachers were wonderful.

While I had a few hours off...I hit the house like a mad woman. I think it's the cleanest it has been in a LONG time. Now I'm sitting patiently waiting for Matt to come home and comment about what a wonderful wife he has!

Busy Boy!

My days are getting harder and harder to get things done as Tucker becomes more mobile. Yesterday he discovered that he can not scoot into the kitchen. This prompted a quick trip to Lowe's last night to purchase cabinet locks for the kitchen cabinets. He never has crawled on hands and knees, but does an inch worm type move. He gets around pretty quickly though.

He has also discovered pulling up on things. He would rather stand all day than scoot around. Maybe he will just skip the whole crawling stage.

Gotta run! He keeps telling me uh oh...not sure what he's into now!

Staying at home is great!

I have been a stay-at-home mom for just a few weeks, and I can honestly say that it is great! I love getting to watch the world go by through Tuck's eyes. He has hit the fun age where we get to do so many great things together. His new love is swimming in his little pool. That was the best $3 that I ever spent!

I have also discovered what a true blessing it is to be able to serve my husband. I'm now able to take on the many household tasks that we had to split when I worked. It's wonderful to be able to have dinner on the table for him. Now all I need is an apron and moo-moo and my life would be complete!